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Eagle Creek Fire smokes Southeast

That 'smoke from a distant fire' repeatedly led to air in Portland worse than that often plaguing Los Angeles

The massive Eagle Creek fire in the Columbia Gorge, evidently started by teens playing with fireworks, not only burned thousands of acres and closed Interstate 84 for an extended period of time – but, when the winds were easterly, it brought a heavy pall of smoke into the Rose City repeatedly in September. BEE reader, and Sellwood businessman and photographer, Dan O'Flaherty caught this hazy view of the west hills from the east end of the Sellwood Bridge at 6 p.m. on September 5. The DEQ said the smoke led to some of the worst air pollution ever seen here.